Be informed about flood map changes

Posted
Friday, January 18, 2013 10:01 am

To the Editor:

Last week, many Valley Stream residents attended a public meeting that I, together with the members of the village board, hosted at Village Hall. The purpose of the meeting was to share information about the proposed new changes to the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s flood maps that affect so many of us, and to give property owners the opportunity to learn what their current status is with regard to the new zones. Basically, people want to know if they are in or out, and what their options are in either case.

The meeting came about because FEMA advised us that the new maps are close to being finalized. The trustees and I felt that it was important to get information out to the public as quickly as possible, even as we ourselves were learning it. After all, we are in this together.

Now, people will have ample time to prepare for whatever steps they need to take going forward. There are important insurance decisions that need to be made in some cases, possible options for premium reimbursements for many, and a complex and lengthy appeal process for others.

As your village government, we are doing all within our power to assist our residents in this complicated process. We continue to remain vigilant to the many problems that face Valley Stream homeowners within the flood zone areas all around our village. We will do our absolute best to address your concerns and guide you through this process. We are in constant communication with FEMA officials, as well as our federal representatives, under whose jurisdiction FEMA falls.

For those who were unable to make the meeting, or need further clarification, I urge residents to call (877) FEMA-MAP for specific information regarding your property. You can also ask to speak with someone about any possible insurance reimbursements you may be entitled to, depending upon your circumstance. It is important to remember that each case is unique, and this is going to take a while before everything is settled and all questions are adequately answered, but we will work with you to ensure that Valley Stream residents get fair and honest treatment.